When a crisis or tragic event occurs, parents may not know how to help their child. They also may wonder what steps are being taken at their child’s school to help.
Many times when such crisis occurs, the Charleston R-I School District reaches out to community and regional partners to arrange for additional counseling staff to be present in buildings to provide emotional support to students and staff.
Encourage your child to express his or her feelings and listen attentively. Common reactions children experience when reacting to a traumatic event are: restlessness, nervous behavior, trouble concentrating, difficulty sleeping, nightmares,“clingy” behavior, fear of being alone, asking questions over and over again, and remembering previous tragedies and events.
If a child should need immediate support, parents may contact the Crisis Line at 1-800-356-5295. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Bootheel Counseling Services. Parents may also contact them during normal business hours at 573-471-0800.
It might also help for parents to contact their child’s teacher, school counselor, or administrative staff.
See the attached document for some additional helpful tips for parents.